Bronny James got the matchup he wanted against Stephen Curry on Tuesday night. Then the NBA’s new point of emphasis got in the way. James and Curry shared one of the funniest moments of the NBA preseason during the Golden State Warriors‘ 124-98 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers at Chase Center. James found himself isolated against Curry after a switch and attempted to create separation with his off arm before pulling up for a jumper.
The whistle immediately blew. Offensive foul. James couldn’t believe it. Neither, apparently, could Curry.
SportsCenter shared video of James smiling and laughing after the call before the camera cut to Curry, who also couldn’t contain his amusement.
“Ref called Bronny for a push-off vs. Steph,” SportsCenter posted on X. “They both couldn’t help but laugh.”
It was a funny preseason moment.
It also provided another example of an NBA officiating change players are going to have to adjust to quickly.
Why Bronny James was called for offensive foul
The NBA has placed additional emphasis this season on offensive players using their off arm to create separation. Monty McCutchen, the NBA’s senior vice president and head of referee development and training, explained before the season that offensive players still will be permitted to use an arm to feel or “firm” against a defender.
Ref called Bronny for a push-off vs. Steph 😅 They both couldn’t help but laugh 😂 https://t.co/SlDKZVNuHO
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) October 7, 2026
Fully extending the arm or forcefully pushing a defender away, however, is supposed to result in an offensive foul. Officials determined James crossed that line against Curry.
James certainly isn’t the only player discovering how closely the move will be officiated.
Raptors star Scottie Barnes was called for a similar offensive foul during Toronto’s preseason opener and later described the distinction between legal and illegal contact as “weird.”
James’ reaction suggested he might need some time to adjust, too.
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Steph Curry shines in limited preseason minutes
The unusual James-Curry matchup was one of the more entertaining moments in an otherwise lopsided game. Los Angeles rested Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves and Walker Kessler, leaving James in the starting lineup.
Bronny finished with four points, four assists and one rebound in just over 20 minutes. Curry didn’t need nearly as much time to make an impact.
The two-time MVP scored 16 points in 14 minutes, shooting 4-of-7 from the field and 3-of-6 from 3-point range. He also added five assists. Golden State rookie Yaxel Lendeborg led all Warriors scorers with 17 points and nine rebounds.
Preseason results won’t matter once the regular season begins. The NBA’s new officiating emphasis apparently will.
James learned that while trying to score on one of the greatest guards in league history. At least he and Curry were able to laugh about it.
